Family Night

Families are scheduling family night each week or each month to create a special time to reconnect and keep lines of communication open. This scheduled time is mandatory for all family members and no electronics are used. This includes blackberries, computers, television, ipods or any other distractions. Many families use this time to do something fun. Here are three ideas that will encourage communication and fun for the whole family.

Round Robin Board Games

Often different members of the family have different board games. In this activity each person chooses their own favorite board game. Each game is set up in front of that person. Everyone will play every game. This can be complex and it is important to ensure that everyone understands how to play each game. For example if there are two adults and two kids the games chosen may be Clue, Cadoo, Candy Land and Monopoly. Each person is first to start the game in front of them. Then they move to the left. They take a turn at that game and then move to the left again. Play continues until there is a winner for each game. Players keep moving around the table as needed. This can be a fun twist that is interesting even to a teen.

Cooking Together

Many experts strongly urge families to eat at least one meal a week together to help keep communication lines open. Take this advice one step further and have each family member cook a portion of the meal. Verify all ingredients are available before family night begins. Once the chosen dish is ready be sure to take a picture with the chef. Use these pictures in conjunction with the recipes to create a family cookbook that can be passed on to the kids when they set up their own homes.

Make a Fort

This is a great activity for kids of all ages. Gather blankets, sheets or beach towels and some chairs to create a fort in the living room. Simply drape the fabric over the backs of the chairs to create a fort. Once the new fort is complete use it to have a picnic, read a book or just play inside. When bedtime arrives simply fold everything up and put the chairs away for an easy clean-up.

Family fun night is a great time to have fun doing favorite activities. Get outside for a walk, go to a park or use one of these activities to spend some quality time together.

Family night is one way to help kids exercise their creativity. Find more activities, games and ideas to do during family night at www.creativekids.thingstodowithkidsmn.com. Also published at Family Night.